• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2026 Survey »

Marathon training

natalk

Newbie
Messages
2
Location
Ireland
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hello,

I have type 1 Diabetes for the last 17 years and I'm currently training for my first marathon. I'm really struggling with getting my sugar level on point. Just feel so lost lately.

Can anyone at all give some advice on what my sugar level should be before a run, how I should keep my sugar level maintained during the run, gels etc. Please I'm desperate and it's really bothering me. Were currently at 14 miles.

Thanks in advance :)
 
Hello!

First of all congratulations in advance on your efforts, that's some doing. Don't think I could do a marathon (or half!):)

Have you tried testing before and after on a shorter run, say half an hour? From this you can work out your rough BG drop over that time period and then keep topping up with the appropriate amount of gels. If you find yourself dropping too much and the gels just aren't cutting it, then you may need to work out how much to cut back your basal insulin by.

Good luck!
Grant
 
I've done 2 half marathons this year and didn't use any gels! Through my training I never ate before a run, only had a few grapes if my levels were ready 8.0 or so. Only ate on the morning of the run! Shocking and stupid I know and now I 'm at a loss as I don't even know what gels to use! Just feel stupid and held back right now

thanks so much for the suggestion, I will def test after 30 mins ans try to work out what I need.

If anyone even has other suggestions other then gels?! Open to that too.

Thanks so much Grant :)
 
I've done 2 half marathons this year and didn't use any gels! Through my training I never ate before a run, only had a few grapes if my levels were ready 8.0 or so. Only ate on the morning of the run! Shocking and stupid I know and now I 'm at a loss as I don't even know what gels to use! Just feel stupid and held back right now

thanks so much for the suggestion, I will def test after 30 mins ans try to work out what I need.

If anyone even has other suggestions other then gels?! Open to that too.

Thanks so much Grant :)
That's no problem, someone who's not a couch tattie like me will provide some decent advice shortly:)

Grant
 
Back
Top